Revision as of 20:22, October 22, 2012

Our father among the saintsTheognostus the Greek was Metropolitan of Kiev, Moscow and all Russia. He succeeded St Peter (August 25 and December 21) as Metropolitan, holding this office from 1327 until 1353. It was through his influence that the Grand Prince Simeon sent money to the Byzantine Emperor John Cantacuzene for repairs to the Great Church of Hagia Sophia. He is remembered by the Church on March 14.

Life

Saint Theognostus was born in Constantinople and later in his life chose Moscow as his primary place of dwelling.

It was his lot to reconcile Novgorod with the prince of Moscow in times of their mutual animosity. St. Theognostus managed to save all of the Russian church's valuables and gave up all his personal property after he had refused to collect tribute from the churches to give to the Mongols. He was tortured by the Tatars for his audacity but never gave in. It was the khan who finally gave up and confirmed the existing privileges of the Church. After a fire swept through Moscow, Theognostus started to restore the churches despite the fact that he had had nothing left in his possession.

In 1353, feeling that his days were numbered, Theognostus appointed Alexis (Bishop of Vladimir) his successor.

Theognostus was buried in the Cathedral of the Dormition in Moscow. He was canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church in the 19th century.